Melt and Pour Soap (MP Soap) is a commercially produced compound formulated for the purpose of cleansing the body. Natural vegetable oils are saponified and used as a base for the MP Soap. Additives are commonly added to the base to improve clarity, lather and craftability.The Food and Drug Association (FDA) states that if a product is predominately comprised of fatty acids and alkalis for the purpose of cleansing the body, it does not meet the requirement of a cosmetic and does not need to be labeled as a cosmetic.
This means that instead of the FDA soap falls under the watch of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. They require the following on the label:
- Identifying statement indicating the word "Soap"
- Net Weight of Product
- Name and Place of Business
If you make the claim that your MP Soap has special moisturizing properties or has specific benefits such as exfoliating, then it does fall in the FDA definition of a cosmetic and must be labeled as a cosmetic. In this case they require the following on the label:
- Identifying statement indicating the word "Soap"
- Net Weight of Product
- Name and Place of Business
- Directions for Safe Use
- Warning and Caution Statements
- Ingredients
Wishing You Much Success!
Debbie May
http://www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com/
5 comments:
Does the base already contain preservatives or will something need to be added to prevent possible mold or bacteria?
Thank you.
This is a very accurate and concise summary of labeling requirements for MP soap. The most important thing to determine is whether the MP soap is actually based on saponified oils or is has a detergent (synthetic) base. My understanding is that MP soaps can be either - depending on the formulation.
If the MP product is based on a synthetic surfactant, then it does not qualify as "soap" (per FDA definition), then it does need to have all the ingredients listed.
Marie Gale
Author of the book "Soap and Cosmetic Labeling"
Thank you. That makes sense.
Irena
www.gingersgarden.com
Thank you for that. My question about exfoliates would be..if I put on my tag that "so and so" is added as an exfoliate would I then have to list all the ingredients!!?!
Dear WSP:
Do the Crafter's Choice M&P soap bases have a saponified oils base or a synthetic base?
I bought some bases from you and would like to label them correctly. I bought Marie Gale's book and it is very informative.
Thanks in advance,
D.
Post a Comment